Govt accepts Chitle committee report to prevent July 26 situation

Mumbai, May 24 (UNI) Maharashtra Government today accepted the Madhav Chitle committee report set up last year to recommend steps on preventing the deluge of July 26 last year.

The Cabinet, which met here today, has decided to set up a high powered committee under Chief Secretary Dr D K Shankaran to implement the recommendations.

Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, while addressing a press conference after the weekly Cabinet meeting, said Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been asked to revive its rain water drainage department. All constructions in the city and the suburbs will have to seek permission of this department.

Mr Deshmukh said Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) will be asked to engage NGOs and experts to study the technical and economic feasibility of setting up additional gated outfalls and additional pumping stations and having gates for Vihar lake in Powai, on the lines of Singapore Marina Barage, considering the sea water level in Mumbai and the threat of flooding due to rains.

The fact finding committee has also suggested that a separate Mumbai river authority be set up under the MMRDA for management of Mithi, Poisar, Mahul and Ulhas rivers.

The committee has also asked the authorities to differentiate between sensitive and important services in the city, keeping the possibility of a rainfall once in 100 years (like the one last year).

It has also suggested setting up of a city water table unit and proper management of all the rivers.

Central agencies should not be allowed to carry out construction or land filling or reclamation activity without BMC's permission.

Mr Deshmukh said another important suggestion was preparing the yardsticks of flood control in the city and suburbs.

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